events and festivals

We often feel festive in St Albans

March 2018

April 2018

May 2018

13 May - Beating the BoundsThe ancient ceremony of Beating the Bounds will be re-enacted starting from Kingsbury Watermill in St Michael’s Village at 2pm. The procession, led by the Mayor and officers of the District Council, will follow the medieval boundary of the town as defined in 1327. The route is just over 2 miles and takes around 2 hours. Free.

26 & 27 May - Hertfordshire County Show - RedbournThe Hertfordshire County Showground is the setting for a variety of events throughout the year including the Herts County Show. Web: www.hertsshow.com

9 June - Harpenden Carnival - Harpenden High St and Rothamsted ParkA procession of floats sets out from Bowers Way Car Park and congregates in Rothamsted Park for judging to take place. Other attractions include children’s entertainment, stalls and displays. Web: harpenden.roundtable.co.uk

10 June - St Albans Half MarathonSt Albans’ major sporting event, raising funds for local charities. In addition to the half-marathon there is a Walking Half Marathon, 1.5 Mile Children’s Fun Run and 5k Healthy Hearts Jog. Web: www.stalbanshalfmarathon.co.uk

9 & 10 June - Art on the Common - Harpenden CommonA wide variety of local artists to exhibit their work including paintings, jewellery, greeting cards, ceramics and sculptures. Tel: 01582 620961. Web: www.harpenden.gov.uk

15 to 17 June - St Albans Folk FestivalSt Albans Folk Festival will take place on June 24 and 25 2017, with the main events on June 24. Once again, this will be the Albantide weekend. As in 2016, it will include a Day of Dance, free showcase performances, sessions and singarounds in City Centre pubs and other venues and workshops and the Festival concert in the Maltings Arts Theatre. www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk

26 June to 1 Jul - St Albans Film FestivalSt Albans Film Festival returns this month for its fifth outing. Full line-up: www.stalbansfilmfestival.com

July 2018

6 to 8 July - Childwickbury Arts FairEnjoy a unique gallery experience amidst the fabulous atmosphere of the Childwickbury Arts Fair, and buy original art directly from the artist. Hot food and events. childwickburyarts.com

8 July - Harpenden Highland Gathering- Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HUBelieved to be the largest Highland Gathering outside Scotland, the participation of pipe bands, Scottish dance competitions, haggis-hurling and caber-tossing ensures that the true spirit of the Highlands is brought to Harpenden. A great day out for the family. Web: www.harpenden-lions.co.uk

22 July - Race for LifeVerulamium Park, St AlbansWhy not enter with your friends, family and colleagues and make a great day out this summer? Web: www.raceforlife.org

25 July - Classics on the Common- Harpenden CommonA unique afternoon and evening of classic cars and bikes on the Common. Web: www.classicsonthecommon.com

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August 2018

10 - 12 Aug - Meraki FestivalA three day summer festival featuring top live music acts at Herts County Showground. Family fun and events also. Info and tickets merakifestival.com

September 2018

6 to 9 and 13 to 16 Sep- Heritage Open DaysSt Albans opens its doors to allow you to visit many of the museums and attractions free, and to explore buildings that are normally closed to the public. Read about last year's event.

8 to 30 Sep - Hertfordshire Open StudiosMeet local artists, browse through their work and perhaps buy something that pleases you, as over 150 artists across the District open their studios and welcome you. Web: www.hvaf.org.uk

26 to 29 Sep - St Albans CAMRA Beer FestivalSt Albans is the home of CAMRA – The Campaign for Real Ale. Come and sample over 300 varieties of real ale plus ciders and perries at the biggest beer festival in Hertfordshire. Web: stalbansbeerfestival.org.uk

26 Sep to 8 Oct - St Albans Food and Drink FestivalSt Albans has a long history of excellent pubs and restaurants. The Food and Drink Festival celebrates this and there will be plenty to eat and drink throughout the festival.

October 2018

14 Oct - Herts 10KFind out more about this charity event, one of the fastest growing regional 10k events in the country, if you’re a keen runner or walker and enjoy a challenge. Web: www.herts10k.com

TBA - St Albans Fashion WeekSt Albans Fashion Week returns for its 6th year. Packed with events and activities, Fashion Week culminates in a spectacular fashion show in the Cathedral on the longest catwalk in Britain. Vote for your favourite fashion and beauty retailers in St Albans Fashion and Beauty awards. Web: stalbansfashionweek.com

November 2018

3 Nov - St Albans Firework Display - Verulamium Park, St AlbansThe largest public display in the south of England, this veritable panoply of pyrotechnic craft is organised by St Albans Cathedral in aid of local charities. Box office tel: 01727 844488

18/25 Nov (date t.b.a.) St Albans Christmas Lights Switch On - St Peter's Street, St AlbansAn afternoon and early evening spectacular of pantomime stars, street entertainers and fun and games for children, marks the start of Christmas shopping in St Albans. Separate events also take place in Harpenden, Southdown and London Colney.

December 2018

26 Dec - Boxing Day - St Albans MummersTraditional play by St Albans Mummers held at various locations in the city centre. For further details, contact the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre on 01727 864511.

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